Deconstructing thoughts on the "Poverty Business"

This week's reading was very telling on how the poor are taken advantage of by companies, regardless of stature. They prey on these people's desperation and ignorance. One such instance is Vincent Humphries, who attempted to buy a “top-of-the-line” PC from a company called BlueHippo. When he realized the terms of payment, he tried to opt out but was given the run-around. Even he admitted had he been more sagacious about it, this wouldn't have happened. Of course, it's not just his fault nor is his situation unique. These companies have honed in on millions across the US.

They have literally developed a system that has categorized countless financial statistics on a person, evaluating their “vitals” so to speak. These people are targeted specifically. One company even adjusts their prices for the individual, a clever ploy to reel them in. What these people fail to realize however, is that “if something is too good to be true, it usually is.” I understand that they have run out of options and their only saving grace comes in the form of mail for a credit card or loans but they have to know their boundaries. It certainly doesn't help when said interest or loan fees are fed into a stove upon arrival. I definitely don't agree with these companies' business practices but the poor aren't helping matters.

The opportunity divide continues to widen because of this very issue. The poor obviously can't cross it given their situation and any attempt is brought down by their lack of restraint fed upon by underhanded and devious business methods. They lure them in with aesthetically pleasing logos or low prices at first but then reveal the true nature by burying them in huge interest rates and fees. These companies don't care about ethics, all they want is profit. This cycle will continue unless the poor are educated. Perhaps some kind of free or affordable government issued financial consulting or classes would alleviate matters to an extent. It goes without saying that the companies would have to be more lenient with their extravagant rates and fees.